Chicago Cubs roster move creates unnecessary risk for Justin Steele

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell revealed to reporters on Tuesday that starting pitcher Justin Steele will be returning from the IL on Wednesday as he gets the start in the team's series finale against the Oakland Athletics.

Steele has been on the IL since the beginning of September with a forearm strain. At the time, there was a debate regarding whether or not Steele would be making another start for the Cubs this season. At the time of Steele's injury, the Cubs were barely clinging onto being a part of the conversation for the National League Wild Card race and his initial MRI did not leave a good feeling for most fans.

The Cubs haven't officially been eliminated from the Wild Card race and that seems to be the leading reason why Steele is making the start on Wednesday. Otherwise, there isn't too much logic in having Steele pitch the rest of a season that only has 11 more games remaining.

Steele's return for potentially two starts is not going to change the Cubs' playoff odds. Too much damage was done during the Cubs' struggles in May and June.

Justin Steele shouldn't be making another for the Cubs in 2024

Now, let's talk about the rebuttal that is out there. Steele has proven that he is healthy so it wouldn't make sense for him to sit for the remainder of the season. It absolutely would. Again, the Cubs are not making the postseason. The Cubs' season ends in 11 games. The less wear and tear you can put on a pitcher's arm, the better.

But, while we're on the subject of pitchers being healthy, forearm strains are typically a precursor to much more severe elbow injury. Look no further than Adbert Alzolay, who underwent Tommy John Surgery this year after experiencing a forearm strain last September and earlier this season. In a season where the Cubs won't be playing into October, it doesn't add up for the team to put Steele in a rotation for two meaningless starts.

Yes, meaningless. Steele has nothing to prove with these final two starts this season. On the season, Steele has posted a 3.09 ERA (3.13 FIP) through 22 starts. In other words, when healthy, Steele has proven that he is indeed a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher. With that question answered, there isn't a reason that Cubs fans should want him to pitch again this season.